Oak Leaves Studio
A visit to Oak Leaves Wood Carving Studio at Frye's Measure Mill in Wilton, NH
William J. Schnute started carving when he was 7. His studio is located at 19 Frye Mill Road in Wilton, NH adjacent to Frye's Measure Mill.
William J. Schnute received his education in biology and his art reflects that training. He works mostly on commission on a variety of projects including signs, gates, doors and headboards. This large piece is called "The Chase".
He uses pneumatic carving tools which look and sound like dentist drills.
When I visited Wiliam was working on a wooden chicken sculpture for a customer . The pneumatic carving tools make it easier to remove large amounts of wood.
Most of the works have clear finishes revealing the grain of the wood. There are a few whimsical exceptions.
Fyre's Measure Mill has been making Shaker and colonial boxes since 1858. Some of the customers commission decorative carvings for the boxes. Note the detail of he carving.
